Joseph Louis Picha

March 11, 1929 – October 22, 2010

Survived by his wife Katharine, daughter Ruth, and sons Jim (Jan Darby) and Ron (Janet Mulcaster); also sister Hannah Thompson (Wayne) and brothers Paul (Diana), John (Jill), and Jerome (Myra); also nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brother George.

After receiving an electrical engineering degree at UBC, Joe worked for nearly 30 years at BC TEL in Vancouver. He always loved big projects – building a 24 foot cedar strip plank sailboat in his basement, completing his retirement home in Deep Cove, and designing and building bronze sundials. “Modify” was his favorite word – tweaking others’ designs for his needs. He was a great husband and a loving father. He was a good man.

A service will be held at McCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. Private interment to take place at Royal Oak Burial Park.

Thanks to all the staff at Victoria General Hospital Intensive Care Unit. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Parkinson Society BC, #600 – 890 W Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1J9. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com

19 Responses

  1. Jim – Loretta and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family at the loss of your father.

  2. Ruth, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Your Dad sounded like a creative, fun and spirited man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
    -Cathy

  3. Ruth and Family,

    I am so very sorry for your loss…. May you find strength in each other and remember all the happy memories – May they live on forever in your hearts!

    Michelle Truman

  4. I am so sorry to read of your father’s passing,Ruth. It sounds like he was a wonderful man and you are fortunate to have such a large family with which to share your memories.My thoughts go out to you and your family- warmest regards, Georgia Peters

  5. Dear Ruth and family – I am saddened to hear of the passing of your father and husband. Wishing you strength and peace at this difficult time.
    Laureen, Andy and family

  6. Jim, May you and your family find the strength to get through this difficult time, especially your mom.

    Vijaya Narayan

  7. Ruth and family.

    Dawn and I are sadden to hear of your loss of your father. It was always fun to hear your Dad speak of his engineering projects around the house and his “tinkering”.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

    Ken and Dawn McLean.

  8. Uncle Joe had a wonderfully infectious laugh. He and Auntie Kathy invited our family to their summer home in Deep Cove for several years. The cousins rowed boats, made water gardens in the rock pools, learned to find sources of water, ate fresh seafood and played card games. Uncle Joe got involved in our adventures and always made us laugh.

    My heart goes out to Auntie Kathy, Jim(my), Ron(ny) and Ruth at this time of sorrow.

  9. Ruth… and to all your family, I’m sorry to hear your news and wish you all the shared strength of happy memories together.

    nigel and kristin

  10. May warm memories help soften your sorrow at the loss of your husband and father. We remember Mr. Picha’s kindness and hospitality and how he always had such interesting plans and stories to tell when we came to visit at the beach. We liked to hear about the ingenious feats of engineering he created about the house to make everyday tasks easier. Wishing you strength and peace to face tomorrow.

    Sandra, Nolan & Kirpaul

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